Barbour jackets are the epitome of British Heritage wear. They're yet to go out of style in the last 100 years, so it's just as well we've got a fresh batch in for SS17...
Having started their legacy in the South Shields Market Place over 120 years ago, Barbour are now into their 5th generation of family ownership. They're arguably one of the most iconic global brands. It's all thanks to careful consideration of family business values, and above all else: well designed, high quality, functional garments.
"well designed, high quality, functional garments"
Barbour have had countless significant designs throughout their time, but when it comes to iconography, some stand out more than others:
- 1910. 'Uncle Harry's Coat' is the oldest in their archive. It's been passed through all generations of the Barbour family, and comes in the form of a double breasted outdoor coat for all-weather protection.
- 1980. 'The Bedale' is the first of the three signature Barbour jackets we see most today. Originally designed for equestrian purposes, this jacket showcases short length, two large bellow pockets, a 2-way ring pull zip and a corduroy collar.
- 1982. 'The Gamefair (6oz.) & The Durham (4oz.)' were both modified in the company's repair and reproof dept. especially for British Paratroopers in the Falklands War. Design features include:
- The original corduroy collar, dark studs for an optional hood, a press-studded throat flap and a stormfly front.
So many design features we associate with Barbour have been separately adopted by many other designers, for iconicity as well as functionality. From the Adidas collaboration, to Daiki Suzuki's own work, the distinctive Bedale and Ashby features have become legendary amongst menswear fanatics.
The 2014 Barbour X Adidas Originals collaboration was inspired by the Country, Military & Spectator history of both of the brands. For each line of inspiration, there was a collection of pieces that could be worn together or separately. A personal favourite of ours here at Number Six is the Country collection: a modified Beaufort jacket, with aged leather/waxed cotton canvas trainers.
"as synonymous with Britain as tea & crumpets"
They've become as synonymous with Britain as tea and crumpets. It's the reason for gaining such a huge cult following in Japan: that aspirational, ultimate British Lifestyle Brand. In fact, Barbour still produce all of their classic wax jackets in their North East factory in Simonside (over 10,000 a year are processed), which is something no other brand in the world can compete with.
Barbour are British-bred menswear royalty, in more ways than one. They've received THREE Royal Warrants for 'Waterproof and Protective Clothing', and Prince Charles has his wax jacket, which actually made headlines back in 2013. Patched relentlessly since its purchase 15 years beforehand, it's an aesthetic you can only achieve with genuine love, wear, & tear.
